Ambala starts water train on Kalka-Shimla section

Tribune News Service

Ambala, April 13

To fulfil the requirement of water for railway stations and staff between Kalka-Shimla section, the Ambala division has started running a special water train on this section.

As per the information, earlier, trains running on this section used to take water tanks to fulfil the need but after the trains were stopped, due to lockdown, the water supply at this section also got disturbed.

Divisional Railway Manager, Ambala Division, Gurinder Mohan Singh said, “Due to current lockdown all passenger train services have also been discontinued over the world heritage narrow gauge section. Earlier, trains running on this section used to take water tanks along with passenger coaches to fulfil the need of water at small stations but after the trains were stopped, the supply of water also got disturbed. There are 20 stations (including Kalka and Shimla stations) on this section. It is a 96-km track. There are several places in Himachal Pradesh where the facility of water supply isnot available.”

“Further, it was noticed that water consumption has increased throughout the Kalka-Shimla section during Covid pandemic for precautionary steps such as regular hand washing, cleaning, sanitisation of tools and station building and staff quarters. In wake of the upcoming summer season, a workmen/water train comprising one water tank coach and one SLR coach has been started to run between Kalka-Shimla stations on alternate days till the normal train services are restored. The train will provide water services to staff at level crossings, stations and railway accommodations enroute so that their needs of water consumption may be met”, he added.

The DRM said, “Only water tanks and maintenance staff will travel with the train for the maintenance of track. The water is fetched from Barog and then the concrete water tanks, constructed on the route, are filled.”

To meet demands

• There are 20 stations (including Kalka and Shimla stations) on this section which is a 96-km track.
• Water consumption has increased throughout the section during the pandemic for precautionary steps such as hand washing and sanitisation.
• The train will provide water services to staff at level crossings, stations, and railway accommodations enroute to meet their needs.